FWO to submit draft PC-I of Bhara Kahu bypass project: CDA

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has asked the Frontier Work Organisation (FWO) to present the draft PC-I of the Bhara Kahu bypass project, as it has been subject to unnecessary delays. 

The delay has been cumbersome for citizens as they have to struggle with traffic congestion in Bhara Kahu, while travelling to Murree and Azad Kashmir.

Part of the Margalla Road project, this 7.8 km-long bypass was designed to provide an alternate route to commuters to Murree, Galyat and Kashmir.

Although former prime minister Imran Khan laid down the foundation stone of this project last year in April, construction work is yet to begin. 

However, CDA and FWO have completed over 70 percent of the work on the first phase of Margalla Road, from Sangjani to sector D-12.

Sources state that draft PC-I will be prepared by FWO and, after CDA makes any revisions, it will be submitted at the Development Working Party meeting for approval.

The engineering wing of CDA recently sent a letter to FWO, reminding about the draft PC-I and requesting for its early submission. 

“In continuation to above letters,” wrote the deputy director. “I am directed to state that draft PC-I for the project of Bhara Kahu bypass was sought for perusal and approval of the competent forum, however, the same is still awaited.”

Former senator Enwar Baig, who also lives in Bhara Kahu, expressed surprise at the inordinate delay of the project. 

“We are not against the metro bus projects, but bypass is the need of the hour and this should be started with the same zeal,” he said.

The proposed bypass will start from the area of Malpur and end near Satra Meel on Murree Road.

An official of the civic body stated that the design and alignment of the bypass had already been finalised by the E&C branch.